Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 3 – 4, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Large, persistent slab avalanches triggered by riders continue to be reported daily - many in steep treed areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recent winds have been extensive. At upper elevations, check for stubborn slabs in lee features as you move into open terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Be aware of the potential for remote-triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We have higher uncertainty about treeline conditions due to persistent slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Every day in the last week, large, persistent avalanches have been triggered by riders or failed naturally; many have occurred around steep openings in treed areas.

Check out these recent MINs for more details:

Mar 1 MIN: very close call

Feb 27 MIN: remote triggered from 50 m away

Feb 24 MIN: 80-100 cm thick fresh persistent slabs

Feb 21 MIN: very large skier-triggered avalanche

Snowpack Summary

A crust covers most surfaces; lower elevations may turn most with daytime warming. At upper elevations, sheltered and northerly aspects holding onto dry snow have a variety of wind-pressed surfaces.

In the top 100 cm of the snowpack, there are multiple concerning weak layers of surface hoar and/or facets/crusts. The most active are a layer of surface hoar down 40 to 60 cm, and a facet/crust/surface hoar layer down 80-120 cm. The majority of recent large and distructive avalanches have been on well-preserved surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear skies. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

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